| Many buildings and other "public accommodations" still | | | | rollup ramp might seem a little scary, be assured that |
| do not have ADA compliant handicapped-accessible | | | | they are strong and safe, with side rails to keep your |
| ramps - hence the need for portable wheelchair | | | | wheels on the ramp and out of danger. One |
| ramps. Even though it's been law since 1992 that public | | | | disadvantage to the rollup type of ramps is that the |
| buildings like stores and restaurants have building | | | | length is limited to shorter runs than some of the other, |
| wheelchair ramps, many owners have yet to comply | | | | more rigid types. Ease of use and small storage size |
| because the costs are so high. Those buildings | | | | are what draw people to this type of ramp. To use, |
| constructed since '92 are typically not a problem, but | | | | you simply unroll it, install the side rails for safety and |
| older buildings often lack the space and proper | | | | extra rigidity, and use. |
| architecture to successfully retrofit them without | | | | A company in the United Kingdom, Jetmarine, is |
| extensive work. Luckily, there is a relatively | | | | manufacturing portable wheelchair ramps out of glass |
| inexpensive solution to the problem: portable | | | | reinforced plastic (GRP) that is both lightweight and |
| wheelchair ramps. | | | | extremely strong. The carrying capacity for these |
| Portable ramps are manufactured and designed to be | | | | ramps is about 550 pounds total weight, including |
| affordable and dependable. They are strong as well | | | | wheelchair and rider. They come in several different |
| as being easily storable and transportable. Many | | | | varieties, the most portable of which are the briefcase |
| models are made to fold up and easily fit in the trunk | | | | style ramps and the folding channel ramps. Both of |
| of a car or back of your van. Folding models also | | | | these models should fit readily into your van, though |
| have built in carrying handles to make use easier. | | | | the briefcase style may be too long for a car trunk. |
| Because no installation is required, you simply unfold | | | | Both of these types also offer almost instant setup. |
| the ramps and set them where they are needed. Built | | | | You simply unfold and go. |
| of lightweight but strong aluminum, this type of range | | | | Portable wheelchair ramps have made it much easier |
| has up to 600 pound capacity. (Total weight of | | | | for those people with disabilities to gain access to |
| wheelchair and occupant cannot exceed 600 pounds.) | | | | buildings that have not yet been equipped with |
| When carrying space is at a premium, you'd be wise | | | | permanent building wheelchair ramps. No longer do the |
| to look into rolled portable wheelchair ramps. This type | | | | disabled have to wait in the car or be excluded from |
| of ramp is just what it's called - it completely rolls up | | | | functions because there is no handicapped accessibility |
| into a small space and can be transported in a car | | | | to a building. Simply pull your own ramp out of your |
| trunk or back of a van, and also taken with you on | | | | trunk, unfold, or unroll, and join the party. |
| plane trips by being checked as baggage. Though a | | | | |